Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award.
His brother, J.J. Watt — a three-time defensive player of the year himself — presented him with the award, which was the first one announced at Thursday’s NFL Honors awards show in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Rams receiver Cooper Kupp won Offensive Player of the Year after topping the league in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns.
Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase was named Offensive Rookie of the Year, while Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons won Defensive Rookie of the Year.
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T.J. Watt was an overwhelming winner as top defensive player, receiving 42 votes from a nationwide panel of media members. Parsons and Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald each received three votes.
Watt tied Michael Strahan’s 2002 single-season sack record of 22.5 sacks despite missing two full games because of injury.
Kupp became just the fourth player in the Super Bowl era to win the Triple Crown of receiving, leading in catches (145), yards (1,947) and touchdowns (16). Only Steve Smith Sr. in 2005, Sterling Sharpe in 1992 and Jerry Rice in 1990 have accomplished that since the merger in 1970.
Chase, the fifth overall pick in the draft, set the Bengals record for most receiving yards in a game (266) and season (1,455). He received 42 of the 50 votes. .
Parsons, the 12th pick, was the unanimous pick, receiving all 50 votes. He helped transform the Cowboys defense and became the first rookie in team history to be named a first-team All-Pro.
In other awards Thursday, Mike Vrabel won Coach of the Year after leading the Titans to a 12-win season despite numerous injury issues.
** Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who tore the ACL in his left knee during his rookie season, edged Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott for Comeback Player of the Year. Burrow received 28 votes, Prescott 21 and Chargers defensive back Derwin James one.
